If you're like me when I started out writing nonfiction articles, the thought of citing sources brought me back to the boring days of high school reports. I wondered if I could remember the proper layout and which style to use. Finally, I stumbled upon a website that does the work for you!
Easybib.com lets you pick the source, fill in a few fields, and produces a bibliography for you. It's a valuable time saver. Some style formats are considered premium and require a fee, but I've found that the free MLA format does the trick just fine, and with three kids in the house, every extra minute counts. Enjoy!
Ever wonder where writers get those useful statistics? Some of the most reliable statistics can be found on a wide variety of US government websites, such as the US Census Bureau website, or the Department of Labor Statistics site. For quick and easy access to a plethora of helpful statistics try fedstats.gov. The site allows you to browse national stats by topic or agency. Happy hunting!
Devotions are one of my favorite markets. Short, specific, and packed with the work of the Holy Spirit, devotions compliment the stay-at-home mom's lifestyle. If you'd like to break into this rewarding market, but aren't sure where to start, this is the article for you.
1. Seek out the guidance of the Holy Spirit. A good devotion will inspire the reader to draw close to God. The only way to accomplish this goal is to be completely dependent on God to lead your writing from the lead to the conclusion.
2. Select your scripture reading, or review the assigned verses. Study the scriptures and summarize them in your own words. What do these scriptures mean to you?
3. Vividly describe a tangible example of how this scripture applies to our world. This is the most difficult part of devotion writing. Ask God to lead the way, then listen to His reply. Write in as much detail as possible in your initial draft.
4. Keep your audience's age and location in mind when choosing an anecdote. Many devotionals are translated and published in locations around the world. Stick with examples that are relevant to the human experience as a whole.
5. Put it all together. Lead with your anecdote, or experience. Grasp the readers attention and help them to relate to your topic. Summarize how your audience can apply the lessons learned to their own lives.
6. Set it aside for a few days. Allowing your mind to move on to other things for a few days will help you with the editing process.
7. Review the writer's guidelines for the publication to which you are planning to submit your devotion. Edit your manuscript to conform to the required format, keep your eye out for spelling and grammatical errors as well.
8. Submit your devotion for publication. When you are satisfied with the results, take a leap of faith and send your manuscript for consideration.
9. Move onto new topics, scriptures and ideas while you are waiting to hear back on your submission.
10. Praise God for your success. If your devotion isn't accepted the first time around, don't despair. Lean on God to lead you to a market where your writing can be a blessing in His kingdom. Rework your manuscript and try again. If your heart is set on the will of God, failure is not an option.
Want to make sure your query letter is ready for the official send off? Here is a quick checklist to help you be sure everything is in order.
__ Reviewed writer's guidelines and followed format exactly.
__ Read back issues and sample articles to make sure article fits the scope of this publication.
__ Followed standard business letter format.
__ Addressed to the appropriate editor.
__ Opening sentence and paragraph are compelling, concise and clear.
__ A few specific details have been included, estimated word count, expert quotes, statistics, etc.
__ Supplied reasons why this article will benefit the publication and it's readers.
__ Corrected all spelling and grammatical errors.
__ Highlighted my unique qualifications to write this article, publications where prior work was featured, professional writers' associations I belong to, experiences that make me an expert on the subject matter.
__ Included clips (copies of previously published work) with my name and the name of the publication visible at top.
__ Included an SASE or self-addressed-stamped post card for editor to mail.
__ Dedicated work to God.
Labels: checklist, how to, query letters
You've got a great idea and a little research to back it up, so where do you go from here? You may be tempted to grab the pen and paper, but before you invest valuable time and energy into producing a top quality article, test your idea's viability with a query letter. Follow these 8 simple steps, and you'll be writing outstanding query letters in no time.
1. Read the Writer's Guidelines
Publishers produce writer's guidelines to make life easier for all of us. Perusing the guidelines will give you a quick idea of whether your article and writing style will fit within their publication. This is also where you will find specific details about how to query, submit manuscripts, and what to expect in terms of payment. Writer's guidelines are often found on their websites, or you can send a request to the publisher, just be sure to include a self-addressed-stamped envelope. The markets section of this site contains links to various Christian publications' writer's guidelines.
2. Read the Publication
Once you've decided on a publisher, read several back issues. Check your local library, and scour the internet for sample articles. The writer's guidelines will often include instructions for ordering a back issue at little or no cost. While you are reading, note the section of the magazine that you feel will be the best fit for your story. Be sure to check out the Letter from the Editor, as this will give you a good feel for the tone of the magazine.
3. Address the Letter to the Proper Editor
Query letters should follow the standard business letter format. This is where your research begins to shine through. Address your letter to the editor that oversees the department where you envision your article in print. You can find this information in the masthead in the front of the magazine. If you are not sure what section your article fits into, send it to an associate editor. Avoid sending your query letter to the editor-in-chief, as they are very busy and may be less likely to read your proposal.
4. Hook Them with 3 C's.
When planning your first paragraph, think compelling, concise, and clear. Make every word count. Editors are busy people, if they are not interested in the first few lines, chances are slim that they will make it to the end of your letter. This is the time to let your writing skills shine. Write in a tone similar to that used in the articles you researched, and in the same voice that you plan to use in your article. Work and rework your first paragraph until you are sure that it will leave the editor wanting more.
5. It's All About You (the Publisher)
Tell them what this article will do for their publication and their readers. Emphasize why they need this article, and how they will benefit from publishing it. Since you have read the magazine you know what their readers like, so tell them why this article fits the bill.
6. Specific Details
Layout a few bullet points that provide specific details on how you plan to write the article, such as quotes from an expert, or recent statistics that support your story. Show the editor that you are capable of conducting the research required to complete the project, and always make sure your facts are correct.
7. Sell Yourself
You've pitched your idea and the editor loves it, so now is the time to prove that you are the one to complete the task. Highlight any magazines that have featured your work, especially those that reach a similar reader base, include any professional writers' organizations that you belong to, as well as any relevant expertise you have on the topic. Give yourself credit where credit is do, we have all gained expertise through the experiences we've had in life. Use your God-given gift for words to accentuate those experiences.
8. Pray
I always pray before I send out a query or manuscript. I don't beg God to give me the assignment, I pray that my work will bring a fruitful return for His kingdom, and that He would open right doors for me, and close wrong ones. Let God be the reason for your writing, and you are sure to be successful every time.
Check out the Query Letter Checklist before you send out your query letter.
Labels: how to, query letters
Want to increase your chances of landing that next proposal? This is the place to improve on your freelance writing skills, and learn how to leave the editors wanting more.
5 Great Resources for Writers
5 Reasons Every Writer Should Blog
8 Steps to Query Letter Success
Free Online Writing Courses
How to Cite Sources the Easy Way
How to Write Devotions in 10 Easy Steps
The Query Letter Checklist
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